In this week’s Sustainability/ESG bulletin, read how nature may become ‘the new climate’ for financial institutions, a public consultation on ‘value factors’ for natural capital, and the public consultation on Northern Ireland’s carbon emissions, as well as the usual roundup of articles, resources and events.
Nature as the new climate
Nature could be the new climate for the world’s biggest financial institutions. While most financial firms are reportedly failing to see how the natural world impacts their business, this could change as the impacts of nature on profits becomes increasingly clear. The Taskforce for Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) published a high-level scoping study exploring the case for a global nature-related public data facility. Read more.
‘Value factors’ for natural capital – consultation
The Value Commission has launched a public consultation for the co-design and development of transparent global criteria for the creation and the use of value factors for natural capital and other types of capital. Hosted by Capitals Coalition, the Value Commission is a time bound three-year, collaborative project, bringing together commissioners from around the world, including members from Ireland’s INCASE, to drive transparency and accountability across the application and use of these 'value factors'. They are used by businesses for the measurement of the flow of services that come from nature, to interpret that information across their operations for insights on their impacts and dependencies. The consultation closes in October - read more from Natural Capital Ireland.
Public consultation on Northern Ireland’s emissions targets
The first of three public consultation sessions on Northern Ireland’s Carbon Budgets was hosted this week by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). This in-person and online event aimed to provide an opportunity for people to contribute on how the threats presented by climate change should be tackled. The findings from this, and the subsequent consultation sessions, will set an agreed carbon budget and targets, and will help inform Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan.
Did you know?
Edgbaston is to stage first sustainable cricket match, with the Men’s Vitality IT20 to be the UK’s first climate conscious international cricket match. Meanwhile, the organisers of the Rugby World Cup are attempting to stop the release of a Greenpeace video, featuring an Irish comedian, satirising the event’s oil company sponsor.
Resources
The Chartered Accountants Ireland Sustainability Glossary has been updated to include nature positive. This is the term used to describe a world where nature – species and ecosystems – is being restored and is regenerating rather than declining.
Jobs
Articles
- Shell and BP among firms accused of greenwashing over renewable energy (Belfast Telegraph)
- Head to head: Does retrofitting your home pay off? (Irish Times)
Upcoming events
Dublin Chamber: The Future of Sustainable Finance
The latest event in our Dublin 2050 series. Dublin has been steadily growing its reputation as a hub for sustainable finance in recent times, making significant progress in advancing sustainable finance practices and attracting investments aligned with ESG principles. This expert panel-led event aims to contribute to knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation within the business community.
In person, 5 September, 8.30 – 10.00. Dublin Chamber, 7 Clare Street, Dublin 2
Dublin Chamber – Sustainability Academy Workshops
Dublin Chamber has announced it will offer Sustainability Academy workshops in Autumn. Beginning with a workshop on Sustainability/ESG 101 in September, the 3-hour Zoom workshops includes a free one-hour, post-workshop one-on-one advisory consultation per company with an expert advisor. Find out more here.
Online, September 2023
InterTrade Ireland: The Shared Island Fund – Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiatives Funding opportunity
Virtual, 14 September, 10:00 - 11:00.
Environment Ireland’s: Environment Conference
In person: 14–15 September, Croke Park, Dublin
Business Post LIVE/iQuest: Energy Transition Summit
In person: 19 September, Croke Park, Dublin
ESDN: European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW) 2023
18 September – 08 October. 113 initiatives in 10 countries.
Chartered Accountants Ireland Virtual CPD Update – Career Progression and Transition (ROI/NI)
Morning plenary session followed afternoon sessions, run and delivered by the District Societies, including the Western Society session on Sustainability and ESG Reporting (Catherine Duggan, Orla Carolan, Peter Gillen, Susan Rossney).
Irish Museum of Modern Art: EARTH RISING
Four-day festival of free events and experiences aimed at addressing the climate crisis and aiming to provoke, empower and inspire collective action in audiences to become agents of change for a sustainable and hopeful future.
In person: 21–24 September, IMMA site, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 FW31.
DETE: Building Better Businesses North-East Event, Dundalk Institute of Technology
The latest in the series of Building Better Business events organised by DETE across the country to help businesses focus on the opportunities and challenges presented by the green economy and digital transformation. This event is open to businesses based in the North East.
In person: 22 September, 9.00 - 1.00 - Multi-Purpose Centre (MPC), Faulkner Building, Dundalk Institute of Technology.
EPA: Circular Economy Conference
This hybrid event will be an opportunity to learn about recent developments in the circular economy and the opportunities and challenges in implementing a circular economy in Ireland. There will be opportunities to network and participate in polling and Q&A sessions.
In person: 27 September, The Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
Women in Business (Northern Ireland) Women in Finance
Women in Business is running a wide-ranging programme of female entrepreneurship events over the upcoming months. The events include sectoral networking, webinars, and training courses for essential skills. A specific session on women in finance will focus on work in finance departments, small scale accountancy or work for yourself, both members and non-members are welcome to join this online event.
Virtual: 25 October, 10.00-11.30am
Sustainable Finance Skillnet is offering funded training opportunities until October 2023 to Irish employees in the financial services sector at 30 percent of course fees (with 70 percent funding available for members of the International Sustainable Finance Centre of Excellence).
Virtual: September-October 2023
Accountancy Europe: Preparing for high-quality sustainability assurance engagements
In person: 3 October, 14.00-17.00, ACE events - Av. d'Auderghem 22, 1040 Brussels
Climate Finance Week Ireland 2023
In person and virtual: Monday, 20 November – Friday, 24 November
Network for Chartered Accountants working on ESG projects
Are you a Chartered Accountant working in ESG or working on ESG-related projects? Would you like an opportunity to engage with other Chartered Accountants working in this space to share insights, challenges and opportunities?
Chartered Accountants Ireland now has a network to allow members working in sustainability/ESG to meet and discuss all matters of interest re ESG and accounting.
- 3rd or 4th Wednesday of every month
- Next: 27 September 2023
- 14.00-15.00/30
- Teams
If you would like to attend please email sustainability@charteredaccountants.ie
You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre.
LOADING...